This book is the first to deal with physical culture in an Irish context, covering educational, martial and recreational histories. Deemed by many to be a precursor to the modern interest in health and gym cultures, physical culture was a late nineteenth and early twentieth century interest in personal health which spanned national and transnational histories. It encompassed gymnasiums, homes, classrooms, depots and military barracks. Prior to this work, physical culture¿s emergence in Ireland has not received thorough academic attention. Addressing issues of gender, childhood, nationalism, and commerce, this book is unique within an Irish context in studying an Irish manifestation of a global phenomenon. Tracing four decades of Irish history, the work also examines the influence of foreign fitness entrepreneurs in Ireland and contrasts them with their Irish counterparts.

¿1. Introduction.- 2. Combating the 'Evils of Civilisation': Recreational Physical Culture in Pre-Independence Ireland.- 3. 'With this atmosphere of unrest and sinister rumours...': Military Physical Culture in Pre-Independence Ireland.- 4. 'The production and maintenance of health in body and mind': Educational Physical Culture in Pre-Independence Ireland.- 5. 'Physical culture is good for body and soul.': Recreational Physical Culture in Interwar Ireland.- 6. 'Embracing the Whole Gambit of Physical Exercise.':  Interwar Military Physical Culture.- 7. "In Ireland the subject of physical training had perhaps, been neglected": Interwar Physical Culture in Schools.- 8. Conclusion: 'Physical Culture is Nation's Need.'.

Conor Heffernan is Assistant Professor of Physical Culture and Sport Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, USA.